You will have access to the online Nativity Class.
New content will be released to you every month. Your 12-month online needle-felting journey creating the twelve-piece Nativity includes the sheep, donkey, ox, camel, shepherd, King I, II, III, Angel, Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus.
Kits are not included unless you opt to purchase that option in the drop-down menu. You can also choose to shop at your local fiber shop for your materials. This is especially helpful if you live outside of the USA and want to save on shipping.
You can purchase your materials at your favorite fiber store, or decide to add the "Kits included" option (colors may vary as dye lots are never the same). If you pay for the whole year (this product listing) your kits will be packaged and all sent to you at the same time. Please allow 2 weeks for packaging. However, your classes will be released monthly, every 30 days.
You will have access to the first class a day after purchase, after that it is every 30 days.
ADD ON FOR LOCALS IN EDENTON NC AND SURROUNDING AREAS: I WILL OPEN THE STUDIO ONCE A MONTH AND YOU ARE WELCOME TO SWING BY WITH QUESTIONS, AND GET HELP. SPACES ARE LIMITED.
The history behind the Nativity Project:
Take the online class to create a needle-felted 12-piece Nativity. Sign up just for the online class and get your materials at your favorite local (to you) fiber store, or purchase the kits and have all materials delivered by mail.
In the waning days of 2020, a charming and intricate creation was born – the needle-felted nativity. It marked a turning point in my journey as a needle felting instructor. I had dabbled in teaching needle felting classes before, but never one that would span an entire year. The question loomed large: Would anyone be willing to commit to such a venture?
I took a leap of faith, and so did five incredible individuals who would go on to become more than just students; they became dear friends. Together, we embarked on a creative odyssey, and as the year turned, they seamlessly transitioned into the enchanting world of a needle-felted Gnome Story.
It was an artistic adventure like no other. Fast forward to 2022, and the Nativity Project has blossomed. Not one, not two, but three dedicated groups emerged, consisting of a total of twelve steadfast students who stood by my side throughout the entire year.
As word of my classes spread, something incredible happened. Enthusiastic crafters from far and wide expressed their longing to participate. It became clear that I needed to take my classes online, breaking down geographical barriers and welcoming even more creative souls into the fold. Starting in 2023, side by side with two in-person groups, the Nativity Class also was available online.
But there's more to this story than just crafting. Every year, one of my crafted Nativity Sets finds a new home through a raffle or auction. The proceeds from this cherished tradition go toward a noble cause. In the first year, the Edenton Art Council benefited, last year the Nativity went to the Four Corner Store to raise money for the Ukraine, and this year's set was auctioned off at the historic Cupola House in Edenton, North Carolina.
As I look ahead to the unknowns of 2024, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. The past few years have been a testament to the power of creativity, community, and giving back. And as the needle-felted journey continues, I can't wait to see what unfolds next. The Nativity Project will be only available online in 2024, and will hopefully return in the following year as an in-person class again.
